PGE Park -- Young players on both sides of the ball saw a lot of action as
Portland State played its annual spring game on Saturday. The Viking
offense scored five touchdowns in the 80-play scrimmage, while the
defense forced two turnovers, made 10 tackles for loss and broke up five
passes in an offense vs. defense format.

The Vikings, who lost 10 starters on offense and defense to graduation,
and had six others sit out the game due to injuries or to prevent
injuries, gave a number of unfamiliar players opportunities.

"Defensively, mentally we are so much farther than we have been. You can
see that. We are not out of position," said Glanville.

Tygue Howland, who started at quarterback, led one scoring drive of
seven plays for 60 yards. He completed a 15-yard touchdown pass to Mario
D'Ambrosio in the first period. In his first action since being injured
in the 2007 season opener, Howland completed seven of 15 passes for 46
yards and one interception.

Drew Hubel took over the offense in the second period, completing eight
of 14 passes for 61 yards. Jimmy Collins was five of 16 passing for 51
yards in the third period.

In the fourth quarter, Connor Kavanaugh took over, leading three scoring
drives. Kavanaugh completed four of eight passes for 51 yards and a
touchdown. He also rushed four times for 68 yards and scored two
touchdowns - one from 25 yards and one from 12 yards.

In all, the offense ran 80 plays for 282 yards, completing 24 of 53
passes for 209 yards. D'Ambrosio was the leading receiver, making five
catches for 57 yards. Reggie Joseph caught four passes for 43 yards.

On defense, Smith made a team-high seven tackles. Quinn Stewart added
four tackles, a sack, and returned a fumble 62 yards. Shead broke up two
passes, and Matt Bramow had an interception.

Playing with a smaller than normal spring squad, including just seven
offensive linemen, and none of his starters at linebacker, Glanville
looked to the future.

"I think we have to have help," said Glanvile. "August will be big for
us. We will have to play kids who haven't been here. When you lose as
many (seniors) as we did, you need help. We have 30 players coming (in
the fall), and that will help us."
*
GAME NOTES:* FB Bobby McClintock, RG Clayton Rios, FS Jordan Brown, DE
John Shackford, LB Ronnie Fa'avae, WR Ray Fry, DB Greg Carradine and FS
AJ Hills did not play in the game as they recover from injuries... LBs
Andy Schantz, KJ McCrae and Ryan Pedersen, all returning starters, also
did not play in order to avoid injuries and give the coaches an
opportunity for a longer look at their backups... the spring game
wrapped up four weeks of spring practice for the Vikings. They return to
open fall camp on Aug. 4. The home opener is Aug. 30 at PGE Park against
Western Oregon.